Martin Hartigan
1889 - 1942
1889 - 1942
Martin Hartigan, the son of a doctor, was born in Ireland in 1889 and, as a lad, rode for his father and others with some success. He rode the bay gelding Sir Anthony into second place in the two mile Stewards’ Plate at Milton Malbay in August 1912, before winning the Ladies’ Plate – another two mile chase – on him from five others at Newcastle West.
Martin Hartigan, the son of a doctor, was born in Ireland in 1889 and, as a lad, rode for his father and others with some success. He rode the bay gelding Sir Anthony into second place in the two mile Stewards’ Plate at Milton Malbay in August 1912, before winning the Ladies’ Plate – another two mile chase – on him from five others at Newcastle West.
The Great War saw Martin given a commission in the Special Reserves of the 13th Hussars, a corps with which he did excellent work until the Armistice.
The Great War saw Martin given a commission in the Special Reserves of the 13th Hussars, a corps with which he did excellent work until the Armistice.
In 1920 he succeeded Harry Cottrill as private trainer to the ill-fated James White. He sent out the brilliant two-year-old Pharmacie to win eight consecutive races.
In 1920 he succeeded Harry Cottrill as private trainer to the ill-fated James White. He sent out the brilliant two-year-old Pharmacie to win eight consecutive races.
The following year, shortly after the death of his brother Pat at Liverpool, he set up as private trainer at Ogbourne and met with some success.
The following year, shortly after the death of his brother Pat at Liverpool, he set up as private trainer at Ogbourne and met with some success.
His stable jockey was Gordon Richards who had been with Martin since his apprentice days.
His stable jockey was Gordon Richards who had been with Martin since his apprentice days.
Martin trained over 400 winners before dying on Friday, 18th September, 1942, following an operation.
Martin trained over 400 winners before dying on Friday, 18th September, 1942, following an operation.